BCCT play has Saturday dress reharsal

Starting next week, Baldwin City Community Theatre begins its annual summer production.

"This year's show promises to be one of the best ones yet," said Todd Burd, the show's director.

"'Once Upon A Mattress' is the classic Broadway retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Princess and the Pea,'" said Burd. "This show was originally performed May 11, 1959 at the Phoenix Theatre in New York. Many people remember the show for Carol Burnett's classic, comedy performance as the Queen."

Calendars should be updated for the Saturday 2 p.m. unofficial opener which is full dress rehearsal and senior citizens from the community are invited to attend this performance at no charge.

"Saturday is the actual day, not Sunday as was previously advertised," said Lynn George from BCCT. "We're going to give the cast that day to rest since they've been working so hard."

The show runs Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and July 1 and 2. All evening performances begin at 8 p.m. and will be held in the Baldwin Junior High auditorium, 400 Eisenhower.

There will also be a matinee at 2 p.m., July 3.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance from cast members, Baldwin State Bank and Gardner National Bank. Tickets also go on sale an hour before each performance.

"The play has a fun plot, lots of laughs, great music -- it's a show that will please all ages," said Burd, who is choral director at Gardner High School.

This year's cast includes some familiar faces from the community including Annette and Chris Cook, Matt Keller, Adam Canterbury, Jody Drum, Gabriel Murphy and a wide array talent coming from the Gardner, Lawrence and Overland Park areas. Mary Baker returns as musical director for the show.